AI Is Here. The Future Is Not: Leading Projects in the In-Between Times

Dr. Leon Herszon

CEO

Value Edge Group

About the Presentation

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how work is planned, executed, and evaluated. Yet most organizations, roles, and career paths were designed for a pre-AI world. Project leaders now find themselves operating in what can best be described as the “in-between times” no longer anchored in the past, but not yet fully prepared for the future that is emerging.

Drawing on his article AI and the In-Between Times: How to Prepare for What Comes Next, Dr. Leon Herszon, CEO of Value Edge Group, explores what this transitional period means for project managers, professionals, and organizational leaders. Rather than focusing on extreme narratives of disruption or automation, this session offers a grounded, realistic perspective on how AI is augmenting—not replacing—human judgment, decision-making, and leadership

ai-is-here-the-future-is-not. Through historical parallels, real-world examples, and insights from education, consulting, and organizational practice, the session reframes AI as a catalyst for changing expectations within existing roles and projects. Participants will examine how projects, skills, and leadership models must evolve during this transition and where human value becomes even more critical.

Understand the concept of the “in-between times” and why it matters for project leadership, career development, and organizational readiness.

Key Takeaways:

Recognize how AI is changing project work without eliminating accountability, judgment, or human oversight.
Identify which skills, behaviors, and leadership capabilities increase relevance and resilience during periods of technological transition.
Lead teams through uncertainty by balancing experimentation with responsibility, transparency, and ethical considerations.

About Dr. Leon Herszon

Dr. Herszon is a dynamic and seasoned executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in global markets and various industries. He is widely recognized for guiding organizations through complex transformations, enhancing performance, and delivering measurable outcomes through agile, transparent, and collaborative strategies.

As CEO of Value Edge Group, Dr. Herszon leads a consulting and corporate training firm focused on helping organizations achieve high-impact results. He is also the host of the video podcast “Insights with Dr. Leon Herszon”, where he engages thought leaders in conversations that translate real-world experiences into practical insights. He is also the author of the book “The Strategic Project Manager’s Guide to Complex Projects”.

Dr. Herszon has held executive roles including Managing Director, Chief Agility Officer, and Head of Consulting, bringing a cross-functional perspective to enterprise transformation and project leadership. A multilingual professional communicating in five languages and a multiple-time Ironman triathlete, he blends global insight, tenacity, and resilience in every engagement -on stage and in the boardroom.

Follow Dr. Leon Herszon on LinkedIn.